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5 tips from Albus Dumbledore that I used to get a great job

Two rather important things happened at work last week. Firstly, my boss wrote a lovely article about my efforts to get a job at Shabbadu. Then I came out of the cupboard under the stairs to my workmates as a massive Harry Potter fan. So, I’m responding to one with a nod to the other for everyone who has asked for more info on my modus operandi. (Bear in mind that this is coming from a sample size of one. I’m not an expert. This is just what worked for me.)

“The wand chooses the wizard, Harry”

Work out who you want to work for. You can choose your employer in the sense that its up to you where you target your campaign. Employers don’t come and look for grads. You have to make yourself known to them, and the way that you do this needs to be magical – in other words, you really need to stand out.

“It matters not what someone is born, but what they grow up to be”

If you come from a rural town, like I did, you may think that the big smoke is impenetrable. It isn’t. Whether you grew up in the ‘burbs or you’re from a recently discovered tribe in the Amazon basin, it’s what you take on board as you grow that makes you the person you are. By all means, a degree matters, but it’s your personality and that will get you hired – you need to fit in with the team to become a part of something long-term.

“It is our choices that show us who we really are, far more than our abilities”

What choices have you made that signify you’re the person for the role? Think about experiences that have proven challenging or where you’ve learned something valuable. Tell these stories at your interview. Others may have the same degree – but you’re the only you. You’ll know you’ve found the right job when you can be yourself and not compromise your personality. You’ll also be happier overall.

“Of course it’s happening inside your head Harry, but why should that mean it is any less real?”

You need to have a solid understanding of your goals before taking any action. You need to steer your ship in the right direction, and this doesn’t have to be literal. Once you know where you want to be, starting acting like you’re there. I’m not saying fake it to make it, I’m just saying that your identity is of your own making.

“Don’t count your owls before they are delivered”

If you’re a graduate, you probably suck a bit. Either way, your seniors are definitely better at what they do than you. Which is why you need to open your ears and listen to them. If someone is willing to teach you, don’t take it for granted. Don’t ever think you’ve hit the big time. And never stop learning.